Now I can't speak on behalf of some imaginary Bloggers' Union. That management title is about as nonsensical as Chief Executive Officer of the Anarchists or Tea Lady for the VRWC. From my perspective, this blog isn't run in competition with MSM. Different estates for one thing. I'm on Third (the Commons), MSM is on the Fourth Estate.

Secondly, I'm more of a canary in a mine than a journalist. Apart from my inability to write shorthand or drink substantial quantities of hospitality, I'd suggest my role is more psychic than newshound. Even that comes with a proviso. Unlike most psychic gimmickry, I don't do Grief Porn like the distateful Weatherston trial. I'm quite content leaving the MSM selling murder for toothpaste adtime.